¡Bendiciones!
¡Bendiciones!
If you've been to the store, then you've noticed a few faces peering back at you while you shop. If you haven't made your first trip yet, don't worry, they're not spirits, just the statues that reside in the store. The majority are religious statues that are more than just decoration, they have become devotional and votive stops for our customers with many leaving gifts and/or money. We often get asked about them so here's an introduction to the crew as you'll encounter them coming in the door.
Virgen de Guadalupe/Our Lady of Guadalupe
Just inside the door, tucked next to a scale is the Virgen de Guadalupe. The image of the Virgin Mary as appeared to Juan Diego on the Hill of Tepeyac in Mexico, she is considered the patroness of Mexico and a deep part of Mexican culture and identity.
Santa Muerte / Holy Death
The Santa Muerte is one of the oldest residents in the store and perhaps the most visited and venerated.
A folk saint (person prayed to but not acknowledged by the Church) or deity originating in Mexico, she began as the patroness of the downtrodden. Her following has grown over the last several decades and has spread all over the world. She is worshiped by people
Cobra
Perched above the cabinet holding oils sits a black cobra in a ring of garlic bulbs. Not sure how long he's been around but he serves as the sentinel, watching over the store, keeping an eye out for our shoppers.
"Quetzy" / Quetzalcoatl
The latest addition to the residents, this is a sculpture of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent Aztec deity, similar to one found in Teotihuacan.
This sculpture started its life in Austin at the El Matamoros restaurant which was run by John's uncle, Monroe Lopez. The restaurant was an Austin favorite from 1947 to its closing in 1980. It then moved to the Nuevo Le
Budai / "Fat Buddha"
Though this is probably the main image conjured when thinking of Buddha here in the west, this is actually a statue of a Buddhist monk named Qieci, nicknamed Budai (cloth sack) for the sack he is usually portrayed carrying. Budai, and his sack, are known as symbols of prosperity, abundance, and luck.
Many people rub his belly (some say you should only use your thumb)
Santo Niño de Atocha / Holy child of Atocha
The Santo Niño is an image of the Christ Child said to have delivered food and water (in the basket and gourd) to Christian prisoners in the 13th century when Spain was under Muslim rule. He is the patron of those unjustly imprisoned, travelers, and those in danger.
As such he is prayed to for liberation, protection, and abundance. Gifts left inc
San Judas Tadeo / Saint Jude Thaddeus
Saint Jude is a Roman Catholic understood to be one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He is the patron saint of lost causes, the impossible, or miracles. He is prayed to for help in dire situations with healing, finances, or anything else that seems insurmountable.
Popular gifts left by devotees include money, rosaries, and other jewelry. Saint Jude was the
San Lazaro / Saint Lazarus / Babalu Aye
Saint Lazarus is the poor man covered in sores mentioned in the parable related in Luke. He is the patron of lepers and against leprosy. In Santeria or Lukumi he is syncretized with Bablu Aye, the Orisha that governs sickness and health. He is prayed to for healing and protection against illness.
Money is often left for him, especially in the amount
The Scale
Technically not a character, you can;t miss the scale on your way out. Yes, it still works, is fairy accurate, and will answer a question for you, too.
Stand on the scale and turn the knob to select the question you want the answer to. Drop in a penny, dime, or nickel and you will get your weight and your answer.
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